After having eight successful stores, Don Trout, owner of Genesee Valley Gold & Silver, decided to open a ninth at 40 N. Washington St. in downtown Oxford.

"The reason we went into Oxford is because we saw there is a need for the services," explained Jim Slater, marketing specialist for Genesee Valley Gold & Silver. "He (Trout) found a great location. Location is so important nowadays with retail.

The Oxford location, which had its grand-opening Nov. 15, is expanding Genesee Valley's customer base, which was already considerable thanks to its stores in Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee and Livingston counties.

"We have been able to service the needs (of) the people of Clarkston, Davisburg, Lake Orion, Addison, Oakland, and Metamora," Slater said. "It's kind of neat because we're bringing in different people."

In business since 1982, Genesee Valley is the oldest gold buying company in the area. Trout had been buying gold all around the state since the 1970s.

"They started out as Genesee Valley Gold and Silver, which was your full service jeweler. They had a really good location and then Don decided he wanted to expand and one of things he wanted to go back to doing was specializing in the (buying of) gold and silver," Slater added. "So, it's kind of the full circle situation."

Slater said Genesee Valley Gold & Silver is a family business and they work hard to treat their employees and customers like family. Because people sell jewelry for a variety of reasons, ranging from fun to serious financial need, Slater said Trout hires people who are concerned about meeting people's needs.

"He doesn't just get people who come in and sit there and help people when they come in. He's pretty careful (about) who he brings in," Slater said. "That's one of the things he's pretty proud of. He's been creating more jobs for people by opening more stores."

The Oxford store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's closed Sundays. For more information call 810-733-1320 or visit www.gvgsgold.com